Belgium backs Migration Compact at UN general assembly

Belgium is one of the countries endorsing the UN Global Compact on Migration at a meeting of the UN general assembly in New York today. Disagreement over the document earlier triggered the collapse of the Belgian government after the Flemish nationalists insisted that Belgium abstain in the vote amid fears the compact would fuel migration.

Wed 19 Dec 2018 16:33

In the event Belgium's vote is in favour. The decision to endorse the document was taken last September by Belgian foreign minister Reynders. However, Belgium is adding an interpretive text to the document for use in Belgium. It explains to e.g. judges how the compact should be interpreted. A similar operation is also happening in Denmark and the Netherlands. The text stresses the compact is non-binding. and that Belgium retains the right to distinguish between regular and irregular migration.